Chelsea's 5 best players in February - ranked

February was almost comically mixed for Chelsea, who followed up some of their best performances of the season with some of their worst.

A bitterly disappointing Carabao Cup final defeat at the hands of Liverpool left a sour taste in the mouth considering the Blues had just come close to well-deserved victory over none other than Manchester City, but that's just the sort of thing you have to expect from Chelsea these days.

Three wins, two defeats and a draw tell the story of Chelsea's season. There's a good team in there somewhere but you simply never know when you're going to see them at their best.

Looking forward to what will hopefully be a better March, here are Chelsea's standout performers from February.

Honourable mentions

The ever-reliable Djordje Petrovic continued to show why he deserves to retain his spot in between the sticks even after Robert Sanchez's return from injury. Raheem Sterling also blew hot and cold but some key contributions against City and Crystal Palace proved his importance to the team.

We at 90min handed Axel Disasi a month-high 9/10 for his dominant performance against Erling Haaland, but some tricky showings against Wolves and Leeds drop his average rating down.

5. Nicolas Jackson

Appearances: 6
Average rating: 6.2 (5,8,5,7,5,7)
Player of the Match: 0

Now back from the Africa Cup of Nations, Nicolas Jackson added some much-needed oomph to Chelsea's attack in February.

He was a constant menace in the draw with Manchester City, grabbing the assist for the goal, but enjoyed his best performances in the FA Cup as he found the back of the net against both Aston Villa and Leeds.

4. Moises Caicedo

Appearances: 6
Average rating: 6.5 (4,8,7,7,5,8)
Player of the Match: 0

Those looking to blindly protect their narratives, look away now.

Has Moises Caicedo been a dominant force? No, but he's been far better than many doubters would have you believe. Two 7/10s and two 8/10s, coupled with a 4 and a 5, tell a fair story of a player who is settling in nicely at Stamford Bridge.

3. Enzo Fernandez

Appearances: 6
Average rating: 6.5 (4,9,8,7,5,6)
Player of the Match: 1

Another outcome which might disappoint the critics, Enzo Fernandez has actually been pretty solid as well. Sure, you'd expect more from a player with his price tag, but let's not act like he's been horrible on the pitch.

The highlight for Fernandez was the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, in which he dominated possession and bagged a glorious free kick. More of that, please.

2. Cole Palmer

Appearances: 6
Average rating: 6.8 (7,7,8,6,7,6)
Player of the Match: 0

Cole Palmer was always going to feature towards the top of the standings here. He's just been that good since joining in the summer.

While February wasn't particularly outstanding for Palmer, who ended with a goal and two assists, it's his reliable contribution to the team which continues to win over fans. Even when he's bad, he's dropping 6/10s.

1. Conor Gallagher

Appearances: 6
Average rating: 7 (4,8,9,7,6,8)
Player of the Match: 1

Dear Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, what are you doing?

February belonged to Conor Gallagher, who enjoyed three excellent performances, two very good ones and one team-wide stinker against Wolves. He scored winning goals against both Crystal Palace and Leeds and continued to lead by example with his desire and commitment.

A new contract is the least Gallagher deserves. He might not be flashy, but he's effective, and that's a lot more than can be said for 95% of this current squad. Chelsea's new owners should be absolutely terrified by the prospect of losing him to a rival.

READ OF ALL CHELSEA'S PLAYER RATINGS FOR FEBRUARY